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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Professor David S. Landes takes a historic approach to the analysis of the distribution of wealth in this landmark study of world economics. Landes argues that the key to today's disparity between the rich and poor nations of the world stems directly from the industrial revolution, in which some countries made the leap to industrialization and became fabulously rich, while other countries failed to adapt and remained poor. Why some countries were able to industrialize and others weren't has been the subject of much heated debate over the decades; climate, natural resources, and geography have all been put forward as explanations--and are all brushed aside by Landes in favor of his own controversial theory: that the ability to effect an industrial revolution is dependent on certain cultural traits, without which industrialization is impossible to sustain. Landes contrasts the characteristics of successfully industrialized nations--work, thrift, honesty, patience, and tenacity--with those of nonindustrial countries, arguing that until these values are internalized by all nations, the gulf between the rich and poor will continue to grow. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title Andrew Porter, New York Times Book Review
Readers cannot but be provoked and stimulated by this splendidly iconoclastic and refreshing book. The New York Review of Books, William H. McNeill
[T]he book abounds in revealing anecdotes, well-turned phrases, and emphatic opinions.... Once again Landes has written a splendidly learned, incisive, and eminently readable history that deals with the European antecedents and world-wide reactions to Europe's Industrial Revolution. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title Douglass C. North, Wall Street Journal
Mr. Landes writes with verve and gusto. . . . [T]his is indeed good history.
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19 editorial reviews...
Customer Reviews of the Day (what's this?)
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
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An excellent overview of civilizations and progress
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November 5, 1999
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Reviewer:
Michael Wendt
(see more about me)
from Chicago
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How sad it is that people feel compelled to politicize works such as these and Diamond's GG&S. Since Diamond's book ends at just about the point where this one begins, and because they are talking about necessary precursors to modern civilization on the one hand, and the era of that civilization itself on the other, one need not choose one view or the other. That is, unless everything must be sacrificed to the politicization of ideas. Some things are just true, boys and girls, and while both authors will certainly admit that historical causes are inevitably overdetermined, this book (and Diamond's) quite simply hits the nail on the head in comparing cultures that have "progressed" (to use a politically loaded term) to those that have not. Many of Landes' points are not in dispute; for instance, the results in China, and much later, Japan, due to the closing off of their cultures to outside influences. Another is the oft-mentioned ties within Islamic culture of religion to secular knowledge, and the subordination of the latter to the former. But no matter; anything can be shamed, at least temporarily, by crying racism, or accusing one of a lack of concern, or eurocentrism, etc. For real scholars, though, the point is in honestly trying to find out what is true, and in having the ability to use that knowledge. Just like cultures that succeed.
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7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
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A THOROUGH Explanation
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December 6, 1999
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Reviewer:
Tom Black
from East Lansing, Michigan
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Like many Americans, my knowledge of history is not what it should be. I'm interested in history and how it has shaped the world we live in, and that's why I bought this book. Hats off to David Landes for his diligent and thorough research and his deep knowledge of the subject about which he writes. This book is not light reading; indeed, at times it was somewhat difficult for me, not being of the "ivory tower" set, but it is worth getting through. Landes does an excellent job of analyzing how such factors as climate, religious beliefs, form of government, and cultural and institutional barriers affected the prosperity or lack thereof of many different nations. I admire the fact he's not afraid to belittle some of the absurd revisionist history being taught in our universities nowadays. He may not be a conservative, but he's not afraid to gore the sacred cow of political correctness. No doubt, my time and money were well-spent with this book because it contains so much valuable information and I can save it as a reference book. A decade ago, I read "The Closing of the American Mind" (Norman Bloom?) Landes' book was similar to that in that some of it was a bit heavy, but its substantive content made it worth the while.
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All Customer Reviews
Avg. Customer Review:
Number of Reviews: 68
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
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A minor masterpiece.
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May 1, 2000
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Reviewer:
Stephen Molloy
(see more about me)
from Basel, Switzerland
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Prof. Landes has written an audacious and racy work that gives the lie to much of what is currently voguish in the highly sensitive area of the connection between culture and economic development. I expect this provocative thesis will not be bested for quite some time. And the man really can write - this book is a pleasure to read! Prof. L is probably the most articulate "dismal scientist" since JK Galbraith. Do yourself a favour: if you are to read one book this year, make it this one.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
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France in India
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April 25, 2000
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Reviewer:
Malliet
(see more about me)
from France
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Dear Mr Landes, I saw you on french TV and bought your book. In the chapter about India, You never mentionned DUPLEIX. This guy nearly got all india for France (the king of france at that time) and was defeated by the british . the french kept in hand only five(5) ports of commerce: Yanaon, Pondichery, Karikal, Mahé, etc.. I didnt' read anything about this part of histry in your book . is it on purpose? alain Malliet
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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